Father requests mercy for his 17-year-old son's killer; fatal stabbing at campsite near Nederland

Spencer Crawford sentenced to 4 years in prison

9:16 PM, Feb 4, 2014

Steve Gaudin shows his emotions on Feb. 4., 2014 while speaking during the sentencing of Spencer Crawford for the death of Gaudin's 17-year-old son.

Jeremy Papasso, Daily Camera

Spencer Crawford, center, cries while listening to the testimony of Steve Gaudin, father of Angus Gaudin, during his sentencing for the death of Angus Gaudin on Feb. 4, 2014.

Jeremy Papasso, Daily Camera

BOULDER, Colo. - The father of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a Boulder County campsite last summer asked a judge to show mercy to his son's killer on Tuesday.

"Even though my family and I are still greatly suffering, we view Angus' death as an incredibly tragic accident," Steve Gaudin said at the sentencing hearing for Spencer Crawford, 20. The father said he sympathized with the Crawford family

"We ask you to be as lenient as possible with this sentencing today," Gaudin said, according to the Boulder Daily Camera.

Boulder District Court Judge Andrew Macdonald was swayed by Gaudin's words, saying he had intended to sentence Crawford to the maximum six-year prison term allowed under the plea agreement but instead chose to sentence him to four years, the newspaper reported.

Crawford and Angus Gaudin, both of Boulder, were camping outside of Nederland with a group of friends June 19. According to court records, both were under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs and alcohol when Crawford fatally stabbed Angus in the chest.

In December, Crawford pleaded guilty to manslaughter and a felony drug distribution charge in an agreement that dictated he would serve between two and six years in prison for the killing.

Macdonald said Crawford must be punished for his actions.

"This crime makes absolutely no sense to the court or the community," the judge said. "People need to understand that intoxication is not an excuse for killing somebody."

An emotional Crawford took responsibility for what he'd done and vowed to live a productive and positive life, the newspaper reported.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I've caused Angus' family and friends such terrible pain and suffering," Crawford said. "I only have one choice: to live in a way that honors Angus, with integrity and sobriety. Angus was my friend. Had I been in a normal state of mind, I never would have hurt him. What happened is a perfect example of how we never know how drugs will affect us."